DNV GL sets up Singapore lab for 3D printing
QUALITY ASSURANCE and risk management firm DNV GL has set up a 3D printing centre to incubate and test such technologies for the oil and gas (O&G), and offshore and marine sector (O&M).
The new centre, which will be housed within an existing building, will develop competences in the qualification, certification and training for additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.
The firm noted that additive manufacturing is receiving greater interest in various industries as its speed and cost become more apparent. Yet, adoption by the O&M sector has been low due to challenges in qualification and certification.
It therefore aims to provide the industry with technical standards and guidelines for qualifying and certifying advanced manufacturing equipment, processes, products, materials and personnel.
DNV GL declined to reveal the investment amount and the additional headcount it will employ from the investment.
The facility will be DNV GL's global competence and service delivery centre for assurance and advisory services in 3D printing and related technologies for the O&G and O&M sectors.
The Norway-headquartered company will also work with local research institutes and industry partners.
For a start, it will be running a collaboration with Sembcorp Marine, SIMTech and NAMIC to develop and certify laser-aided additive manufacturing technology to make large-scale structures for newbuild vessels in Singapore.